Clark Olofsson, Notorious Criminal Who Helped Inspire the ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ Phrase, Dies at 78

Renowned Criminal, Clark Olofsson, Passes Away at 78 Years Old

Clark Olofsson, a well-known figure in the criminal world and one of the individuals who played a role in shaping the concept of ‘Stockholm Syndrome,’ has passed away at the age of 78. His death occurred on June 24, 2025, in a Swedish hospital following a period of prolonged illness. Olofsson gained international notoriety in 1973 when he, alongside fellow criminal Jan-Erik Olsson, held four individuals hostage during a bank heist in Stockholm.

The infamous incident took place over six days, during which the captives began to exhibit signs of empathy towards Olofsson and Olsson, their captors. Olofsson’s involvement in the hostage situation was initiated when Olsson, acting alone, requested Olofsson’s presence to the scene. Despite claims made by Olofsson that he would receive a reduced sentence in exchange for assisting in safeguarding the hostages, this agreement was allegedly not honoured, as reported by the BBC.

Throughout the duration of the ordeal, the hostages displayed a level of loyalty towards Olofsson and Olsson, even advocating for their actions when engaging with authorities. Kristin Enmark, one of the hostages, notably expressed her trust in Olofsson and Olsson during negotiations, stating that they had treated them well and that she felt safe with them, as documented by the BBC. When law enforcement intervened with tear gas to end the situation, the hostages chose to remain beside their captors out of fear for their safety.

In the years following the incident, Enmark refuted the Stockholm Syndrome theory, attributing her actions to a desire for survival rather than psychological bonding with the perpetrators. She emphasised that her primary objective was to ensure her own safety amidst the circumstances, dismissing the notion of being complicit as a coping mechanism.

Born and raised by a single mother in Gothenburg, Sweden, Olofsson’s early life was marked by challenges, leading him down a path intertwined with criminal activities. Beginning work on a cargo ship at just 15 years old, he quickly became entangled in a series of unlawful behaviours, culminating in brushes with the law and subsequent convictions for offences such as drug trafficking and a high-profile art theft.

Over the years, Olofsson’s life story has served as inspiration for various media projects, with a Netflix series titled ‘Clark,’ released in 2022 and starring actor Bill Skarsgård, delving into the complexities of his experiences. Olofsson’s legacy, characterised by a blend of notoriety and intrigue, continues to captivate audiences and shed light on the intricacies of criminal behaviour and its enduring impact on society.

The passing of Clark Olofsson marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in the realm of criminal history, leaving behind a legacy that invites reflection and contemplation on the complexities of human nature and the indelible consequences of choices made in moments of desperation and turmoil.